Murkowski introduces pilot retirement bill

The measure would raise the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots in good health from 60 to 65 years of age.

Murkowski said the number of certified pilots in Alaska has fallen from 10,000 a decade ago to about 8,700 today. And that shortage has left Alaska carriers struggling to find pilots, particularly in rural areas.

As long as pilots can pass rigorous medical exams, they should be allowed to continue flying, Murkowski said.